Series kick starts August with five races in five days
CONCORD, NC- July 17, 2017– The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series will head to Wisconsin to spearhead the month of August with an action packed first five days of the month. Two events back-to-back will be a nice tune-up leading into the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway for the biggest payout of the season- $50,000.
On the first of the month, the Outlaws will invade OshKosh SpeedZone Raceway for the first time in Series history. Only a few Outlaw drivers have ever made laps on the third-mile clay oval, but everyone is up for the challenge because the best drivers in the country have to be prepared for anything and be able to adapt to everything.
Rookie of the Year contender, Devin Moran, has visited several new tracks this season as the tour has taken him to parts of the country he has never seen. With 15 top-10 finishes, including one win and four trips to the podium, the young driver is making a name for himself all over the country as one of the next big names in the industry.
Chris Smokey Madden Grabs Back-to-Back Wins in Minnesota
OGILVIE, Minn.- July 12, 2017- Patience was the key to victory for Chris Madden at the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series event at Ogilvie Raceway. Madden stalked his prey for 36 laps before making the pass for the lead.
“I can’t thank my guys enough that work hard on this thing to make sure nothing falls off,” said Madden. “We have some tough guys we race with out here. I love racing with Brandon [Sheppard]. He is a hell of a wheelman and that kids got a bright future ahead of him.”
Sheppard started on the pole for the 40-lap $8,000-to-win feature event thanks to a young fan that was selected to help with the redraw. Sheppard held on to the lead for the majority of the race despite lap traffic and getting into the wall on 20-lap bringing out a caution for debris on the track.
GEORGETOWN, DE – Thursday, August 17 will stand out in the storied history of Georgetown Speedway.
For the first time ever, the World of Outlaws (WoO) Craftsman Late Models will invade the Sussex County half-mile oval for the ‘Fulton Bank 40’ paying $10,000 to win. Not only is this a first for the WoO Late Model competitors at Georgetown; there has never been a $10,000-to-win race at the storied facility.
Super Late Model racing has been highlighted during the past two seasons at Georgetown with a number of high-profile events including a visit by the Ultimate Super Late Model Series, the year-end Mid-Atlantic Championship Weekend and most recently the Independence Day Summer Classic.
Bringing in the WoO brand adds a marquee program for the division.
Marlar impressively passes 19 cars to finish third
Spring Valley, MN- July 8, 2017- Chris Madden found his way to Victory Lane to claim his second World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series win of the season during the 38th Annual Gopher 50 at Deer Creek Speedway.
“We had a great car and I would like to thank my guys who worked hard this week to get this thing ready for me,” said Madden. “This win is for my crew member, Brian. His mom passed away earlier this week and he had to leave us.”
The 50-lap feature event saw three different leaders including Rodney Sanders, Devin Moran and Madden. Sanders held on to the lead for the first 22 laps of the feature before being passed by Rookie of the Year contender, Moran, who had made his way to the front from a fourth position start.
The Illinois-native looks forward to the 28th annual Prairie Dirt Classic
CONCORD, NC- July 4, 2017- The Prairie Dirt Classic is one of the most anticipated Dirt Late Model events of the season. Not only does the track produce great racing from start to finish (named the Dirt on Dirt Race of the Year 2013, 2014, 2015), the atmosphere at Fairbury American Legion Speedway for this event is unparalleled.
In 2013, the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series partnered with Fairbury American Legion Speedway to boost the notable event to the next level by bringing the best Late Model drivers in the country to the Fairbury, IL stage.
One year prior, Brandon Sheppard sat behind the wheel of the Rocket 1 for Mark Richards Racing Incorporated at Fairbury American Legion Speedway for the DIRTcar Summer Nationals tour; his last time at that track in the Rocket Chassis House Car.
The Georgia Bulldog Looks to Repeat His Past Success in the Midwest
CONCORD, NC- July 3, 2017- On July 12 the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series will head to Ogilvie Raceway for the second time ever. During the inaugural visit last year, 2016 Series Champion Josh Richards held off a late charge from 2015 Series Champion Shane Clanton, who found his way to second from a ninth-place start.
After the feature, Richards, who claimed his 10th win of the 2016 season, said, “I want to thank the track guys. It’s a beautiful facility, and I wasn’t expecting it to be this nice. It’s a great place to come.”
Clanton shook his head and smiled reflecting on the 2016 Outlaw race at Ogilvie. “It was close,” he said. “Ogilvie is a place you have to carry momentum to. You have to be so close to the wall without hitting it, and a couple of people did hit it. Luckily, I was just good enough to be close to the fence and not knock the deck out of it like two other guys did.” Continue reading ‘Way Out West’
Devin Moran and Brandon Sheppard round out the podium
SMETHPORT, P.A.- June 20, 2017- Max Blair defended his home state by maneuvering his way to his first-ever World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series win at McKean County Raceway in Smethport, PA during the Hamlin Lake 50.
The Pennsylvania-native was joined in Victory Lane by a fan club of family and friends who rushed the track for the celebration. After embracing the moment under a shower of confetti, Blair was seemingly at a loss for words trying to describe his first Outlaw win.
“I never would’ve dreamed this would have happened to me,” said Blair. “I don’t even know what to say. I am so pumped up. We destroyed our car a couple of weeks ago and we’ve been working really hard this week to get this thing turned around and ready. We were pretty excited to come here tonight but I didn’t really know what to expect. I can’t believe it. I really can’t.” Continue reading ‘Max Blair Defends Home Turf at McKean County Raceway’
SARVER, PA – June 20, 2017 – The upcoming 11th annual Firecracker 100 promises to deliver the goods when it comes the cream of the crop among Dirt Late Model’s finest drivers, as it does every year. The star-studded drivers’ list is once again choc-full of big names who have found Victory Lane in the sport’s biggest crown jewels. Many of those have done so on multiple occasions, including recent Dream 100 winner Scott Bloomquist – the only three-time winner of the Firecracker 100 – and two-time winner Jimmy Mars.
And as always, they’ll be among the favorites to take home the lion’s share of the $42,000 of top prize money as well, including the $30,000 winner’s share on Saturday, June 24. Throw in the current stars of the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series, including previous winners Shane Clanton and Rick Eckert, and Series points leader Brandon Sheppard, who has two Dirt Track World Championship trophies under his belt, and a big-name, money sweep looks all but certain coming into the festivities.
But the home team might have some other ideas, and the notion that they could make some serious noise on any or all of the nights of racing is not farfetched at all. Three prominent drivers indigenous to the hills and speedways of Western Pennsylvania, who currently call or formerly called Lernerville Speedway their home track will be in action. Points leader Michael Norris and former track champions Alex Ferree and Jared Miley will be looking to make history in front of their home track fans June 22-24. Norris perhaps comes in with the hottest hand, having ended the 2016 campaign on a high note that included his first career start in the World 100 at Eldora Speedway, where he opened the eyes of many that had not seen him before. He backed that performance up with a 10th-place finish at the Pittsburgher 100 at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Motor Speedway in October, and has won three of the first four feature events at Lernerville this season.
Heckenast Siblings and Series Join Forces for FVP Outlaw Clay Classic
CONCORD, NC- June 16, 2017- Sherri Heckenast had a long-term goal of bringing short track racing back to the Chicago area, and this season she can mark that goal complete as the biggest dirt track racing series in the world will take her stage when the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series and World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series stop at the Dirt Oval at Route 66 Raceway for the FVP Outlaw Clay Classic on June 27-28.
When Heckenest set the goal for the Dirt Oval at Route 66 Raceway, the track was primarily a demolition derby facility for Team Demo Association, an organization she bought eight years ago.
Things are about to get wild as the Series hits five races at five different tracks during the Midwest swing
CONCORD, NC- June 15, 2017- The World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series is approaching one of its toughest stretches of the season as they head to the Midwest for five races at five different tracks in a nine-day span, four of them within four days‘ time. The stretch includes Deer Creek Speedway on July 8, Ogilvie Raceway on July 12, Hibbing Raceway on July 13, River Cities Speedway on July 14 and North Central Speedway on July 15.
During last year’s Midwest swing, Tyler Erb had his best and most consistent run of his rookie campaign- racking up three six-place finishes and one seventh of his 10-total top-10s for the season (Mason City Motor Speedway, Deer Creek Speedway, Ogilvie Raceway, and Quincy Raceways). Additionally, by the looks of how the night started at River Cities last year, Erb could have potentially tacked on another top-10 as he set Fast Time before the event was called due to rain.
“We race all over the United States, but Deer Creek has to be one of my favorite tracks we go to,” said Erb. “I’m really looking forward to going back. Both Deer Creek and Ogilvie are tracks that I feel really comfortable on. We had a good run there last year, and I feel even more confident headed into that swing this year. I also know that guys like Devin [Moran] and [Chris] Madden don’t have much experience on those tracks.”
Kickball tournament and auction at Firecracker 100 benefit childhood cancer research
CONCORD, N.C.- June 14, 2017- For a World of Outlaw Craftsman® Late Model Series driver, life on the road turns into a rhythm, and within that rhythm it’s hard to find the moments to think about the things that matter most. At the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway drivers take the time, before taking the track, to raise money for something bigger: childhood cancer research.
Every penny raised from the driver kickball tournament and raffle-auction benefit the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation for childhood cancer research. Both Outlaw and non-Series drivers donate racing paraphernalia – from t-shirts to car doors – to be auctioned off after the kickball tournament on Friday.
“For any driver, it always seems that our lifestyles are so fast and so crazy that anytime that anyone can kind of slow down and take a deep breath and make a difference in another person’s life is a good thing,” said the Rum Runner Racing No. 2 driver Joey Coulter. “It’s something I always have tried to do – especially when it comes to kids. it’s nice to help anyway that you can.”
Outlaws invade Senoia Raceway for the first time on June 3
CONCORD, N.C.- May 31, 2017- The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series heads to the state of Georgia for the final time this season for the third annual Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia Raceway on Saturday, June 3. The Outlaws inaugural visit to the 3/8-mile bullring will include 50-laps and $10,025-to-win, in honor of the late Billy Clanton who drove the same number as Series regular Shane Clanton, No. 25
“My father used to go to Senoia every Friday night when we were kids because that track was one of the big deals,” said Shane. “They changed the track to asphalt and both of my brothers were asphalt racers and won a bunch of races down there. Since then they changed the track back to dirt. It’s given me the opportunity to race where my dad and my brothers have and I’ve had a lot of success there.”
Shane has won the past two Billy Clanton Classic events and looks to repeat his success this year when the Outlaws take the Senoia Raceway for the first time.
Three nights, three complete shows on tap at Lernerville Speedway June 22 – 24
CONCORD, N.C. – May 19, 2017 – The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series is set for three-days of action-packed racing at the 11th Annual Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway, Thursday, June 22 through Saturday, June 24.
Each year the Firecracker 100 has continued to be a crown jewel event in dirt Late Model racing. With its big pay day, it’s one of those marquee events that drivers circle on their calendars. Drivers will compete in three-nights of non-stop, side-by-side racing at the high-banked 4/10-mile Lernerville Speedway.
In addition to the hot action on the track, the Firecracker 100 includes an incredible array of family-friendly events that allow fans of all ages to interact with their favorite drivers. All drivers have been invited to participate in the a kickball tournament – a charity kickball tournament organized by the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. Proceeds will go to children’s cancer research. Stick around after the kickball tournament and pick up a piece of racing memorabilia at the raffle/auction from one of your favorite drivers.
Lands Second-Ever Series Win; Both in Home State of Tennessee
WHEEL, T.N.- May 14- The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series wrapped up a two-day swing through Tennessee at Duck River Raceway Park on Mother’s Day. Tennessee-native Mike Marlar wheeled his way to victory lane to claim his second-ever Series win.
“I love racing with the World of Outlaws,” said Marlar. “I don’t get to do it a lot but when they come to Tennessee or sometimes I will venture out and go racing with them. They are an awesome group of guys to race with… It’s fun to go racing at a top level like this.”
Marlar drove throughout the night after a racing in Illinois to take on the Outlaws in his home state. Luckily for him, the long haul paid off; $10,000 to be exact.
Haubstadt, IN, – May 15, 2017 – All the stars aligned at Tri-State Speedway for Parker Price-Miller. Inheriting the lead on Lap 18 after Sheldon Haundenschild ran into a slower car in lap traffic, causing him to do a complete 360, Price-Miller had to endure challenges from last year’s Tri-State Speedway winner, David Gravel. Meticulously working his way through lap traffic, Price-Miller picked the best lanes and would go on to win his first career World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series race.
Starting the season out at DIRTcar National at Volusia Speedway Park in February and continuing with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series tour through mid-April, before eventually dropping off full-time, Price-Miller knew it was going to be a steep learning curve.
“We knew going into the season we were going to get our butt-kicked,” Price-Miller said about starting the season with the World of Outlaws. “But this was going to make us better as a team. This surely has paid off making me better as driver, getting our car better and making us overall better as a unit.”
MARYVILLE, T.N. – May 13, 2017- Brandon Overton claimed his second-ever World of Outlaw Craftsman® Late Model Series win at Smoky Mountain Speedway. For the redraw, six kids from the crowd were selected to draw the drivers starting positions. Luckily for Overton, the Craftsman wrench that was picked was a number two, putting him outside of pole-sitter, Brandon Sheppard.
Sheppard held on to the lead for the first 19 laps of the race, despite two cautions which reset the field giving Overton the chance to jump the chain. On lap 19 Overton maneuvered to the top of the track between turns three and four which gave him the much-needed momentum to finally pass the Rocket 1 machine. By lap 30 Overton was able to create nearly a three second lead over Sheppard and the rest of the field.
The battle then ensued for second between Sheppard, Shane Clanton and Chris Madden who ran bumper-to-bumper and door-to-door for the remaining laps. It was ultimately Madden and Clanton who found their way to the podium.
World of Outlaws Series’ Meet for FVP Outlaw Clay Classic June 27 and 28 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car and Late Models Series join forces at Route 66 for a two-night event
CONCORD, NC – May 12, 2017 – The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series are set to converge in Illinois. The nation’s two premier dirt touring Series will cross paths during the second annual FVP Outlaw Clay Classic at the Dirt Oval at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL on June 27 and 28. It’s the only chance for fans to see both World of Outlaws Series on consecutive nights this season before the World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte in November.
The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series invades the Dirt Oval at Route 66 for the first night of the FVP Outlaw Clay Classic on June 27. Current Sprint Car Series point leader Donny Schatz won the inaugural event on June 29, 2016, at Rockford Speedway. The event marks the halfway point just as the Outlaws prepare for the most grueling and highest-paying month of racing in the midst of a tight championship points race.
The World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series takes over the Joliet 3/8-mile track the following night on June 28 to complete two thrilling nights of Outlaw racing. World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series driver Frank Heckenast Jr. will be eager to dethrone defending event winner Brian Shirley at the track owned and managed by his sister, Sherri Heckenast.
CONCORD, N.C. – May 11, 2017 – The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series will roll into Senoia (Ga.) Raceway for its inaugural visit on June 3, but when Shane Clanton pulls into the pits it will be far from his first time at the 3/8-mile bullring.
For Clanton, racing has been a family tradition stemming from the head of the household, his father Billy Clanton. The family of six would load up and head to a racetrack three nights out of the week when Shane was growing up. On Friday nights, that meant a trip to Senoia.
“From the time all of us siblings were born, racing has been in our blood,” Shane said. “My dad worked directly out of the back of our house, where he would build cars for customers. When we would get off the school bus, the first thing we wanted to do was head to the shop; we weren’t worried about doing our homework. The main thing he taught us was that you get out of it what you put into something. If you don’t put hard work into it, you won’t get anything out of it. If it wasn’t for my Dad, we probably wouldn’t be doing this.”
Claims Quick Time, Heat Race Win and Led All 50 Laps of Feature
FAYETTEVILLE, NC- May 6, 2017- Brandon Sheppard led all 50-laps during the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series 10th race of the 2017 season at Fayetteville Motor Speedway. Sheppard’s win at the 3/8-mile track marked his ninth career win.
“We’ve been working really hard on this Rocket Chassis,” said Sheppard. “I want to thank Mark and Steve and everyone at Rocket Chassis for letting me drive this thing. It’s awesome. We’ve been working really hard lately to get ready for these Carolina tracks and Tennessee tracks because I’ve always struggled a little bit at those places so it definitely feels good to be getting a win and a top-three [last night].”
Tyler Erb started the feature on the outside of the pole and was heavy on the pedal trying to run down pole-sitter Sheppard throughout all 50-laps. The feature saw six cautions due to tire troubles. During every restart, Sheppard was able to create an impressive lead over Erb and the rest of the field. In one lap Sheppard was able to gain up to a 1.643-second lead proving how much of a powerhouse he truly is.
Series Heads to Ohio and West Virginia to Top off Month of May
CONCORD, NC- May 3, 2017– The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series will head to the states of Ohio and West Virginia one time in 2017 for three events on May 26 at Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, OH, May 27 at Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH and May 28 at Tyler County Speedway on Middlebourne, WV.
Atomic Speedway
The last time the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series appeared at Atomic Speedway was in 2015 for two nights of racing where current Series Champion Josh Richards swept the weekend. Joining Richards on the podium both nights at Atomic was Series mainstay and 2015 Series Champion Shane Clanton, who improved during the two-night show with a third-place and then a second-place finish.
The 2017 season has been a roller coaster for Clanton and his team. Clanton busted into the season at DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL at Volusia Speedway Park, where he ultimately took home the coveted big gator. Yet, Clanton’s early grasp on the top of the points standings has been slipping away as he is currently 10th and just 10 points above Series-veteran Chub Frank.
Clanton has regained some ground and boosted the team’s moral more recently after two wins in his past two races at unsanctioned events. As seen on his website after his win at Senoia Raceway Clanton stated: “We built a new Capital Race Car this week in two days, and it proved tonight how good we are,” said Clanton, who credited his crew and a change to Penske Shocks for his performance. “Marshall [Green] and everybody at Capital Race Cars have been busting their tails to help us get back to Victory Lane. We’ve made some changes within our program as well the past few weeks, and we are seeing immediate results.”
Two of the Most Challenging Schedules in the Motorsports Industry
Concord, NC- April 27, 2017– The DIRTcar Summer Nationals and the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals 2017 schedule promises a summer of hot action on the track. The tours’ schedules mirror each other for all but one race during their 32 consecutive days on the road. The two touring Series embark on one of the most gruesome schedules in the motorsports industry as they will travel across eight-states– including Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio- in four-and-a-half weeks with back-to-back racing nearly every night. The Late Model Series will take a break from racing only three times in 32 days, and the Modifieds will take four.
Every year the Series’ swing through June and July proves to be mentally and physically trying on drivers and their teams, preserving through their passion and dedication to the sport. The 2017 DIRTcar Summer Nationals and the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will kick off at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IL on June 14.
Lakeside Speedway and Salina Highbanks Speedway Rescheduled for Sept. 22-23
CONCORD, NC- April 26, 2017– Due to heavy persistent rain hitting the Midwest over the past several days which has brought excessive localized flooding, the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series have postponed the events at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, KS and Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, OK to Friday, Sept. 22 at Lakeside Speedway and Saturday, Sept. 23 at Salina Highbanks.
Fans that currently have tickets for either event can use them for the rescheduled events on Friday, Sept. 22 at Lakeside Speedway and Saturday, Sept. 23 at Salina Highbanks. No refunds will be given.
World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Hits Tennessee for Two Shows
CONCORD, NC- April 21, 2017– The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series brings 15 full-time drivers and their 850-horsepower machines to echo through the mountains of Tennessee with back-to-back 50-lap $10,000-to-win events at Duck River Raceway on May 12 and Smoky Mountain Speedway on May 13. The pair of Tennessee tracks have been on the Series schedule since 2013. The central location of the state in the realm of Late Model country allows a good turnout of nationally recognized drivers to appear at the events in hopes of stealing the purse from the Outlaws. Last year the Outsiders ran off with the money.
Partnership offers exclusive 20 percent discount for World of Outlaws fans
CONCORD, N.C. – April 19, 2017 – The World of Outlaws welcomes Extended Stay America® hotels (ESA) – the largest owner operated hotel chain in the U.S. – as the official hotel of the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series.
Operating 629 properties nationwide, Extended Stay America offers fully-equipped kitchens, free wi-fi, on-site laundry facilities, grab-and-go breakfast and other practical touches to make travelers feel at home while they are on the road. And from February through November 2017, for the length of each racing season, the Outlaws’ home IS the road. Welcoming both the World of Outlaws team and their followers, the partnership extends an exclusive 20 percent discount on rooms at any Extended Stay America hotel to all World of Outlaws fans through esa.com/worldofoutlaws.
The World of Outlaws will run 148 races at 82 different race tracks in 23 states and two different countries during the 2017 season. This keeps them on the road for more than 250 days of the year.
World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Will Hit North and South Carolina Back-to-Back
CONCORD, NC- April 12, 2017– For the first weekend in May the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series heads to the Carolinas. The Series equipped with 15 full-time drivers and teams will face brave local and regional competition who dare to stand nose-to-nose with the best late model drivers in the country at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC on Friday, May 5 and Fayetteville Motor Speedway in Fayetteville, NC on Saturday, May 6.
Cherokee Speedway
One of the most consistent drivers of the Series 2017 season has been Chris Madden. This season is Madden’s second attempt to run with the Series full-time. His first attempt came in 2007 when he entered the first 16 Series races, however, his efforts were cut short due to the birth of his son, Avery.
Other than his attempt with the Series in 2007, Madden has never committed to any other national touring series as a full-time driver and still around the country he is known as one of the most talented Late Model drivers. So far this season, the driver has impressively racked up one win, five top-five finishes and seven top-10 finishes of the eight Series races which only further proves how consistent Smokey and his CMR team is on a national level.
CONCORD, NC- April 6, 2017- The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series heads to the Great Plains to top off the month of April. The first stop will be on April 28 at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, KS, followed by Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, OK on April 29.
Lakeside Speedway
Lakeside Speedway is located one hour and 45 minutes from full-time Outlaw Chase Junghans’ hometown of Manhattan, KS. This is the first time the series has visited Kansas since Junghans joined the Series in 2014.
“This race will definitely be fun for sure,” said Junghans. “Anytime you only have to travel an hour-and-a-half to go to an Outlaw race it is definitely exciting. I’ve raced there plenty of times, and that definitely helps your confidence headed into the race and gives you hope of running good. Out here in the Midwest a lot of our tracks are bigger half-miles, and that’s what I’m used to running on. I I don’t know if that means I have an advantage, but I’m used to racing on that kind of track and have a better idea of what I have to do to my car.”
FARMER CITY, IL- April 2, 2017- Brian Shirley must have blown out the candles on his birthday cake this morning and wished for a win because tonight at Farmer City Raceway he claimed his first World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series victory of the season at the Illini 100.
“I am just happy,” said Shirley. “I am happy for my team. We’ve had a lot of solid runs this year and we’ve had some heart breaks so for this to pay off for Bob Cullen, Lisa Cullen and everyone behind us we appreciate it. The biggest thing is that that we get monkey off our back with [this win] and hopefully, there’s more to come.”
To take the lead Shirley had to out-duel three-time World of Outlaws Champion and five-time Farmer City Raceway winner, Billy Moyer as well as regional all-stars Shannon Babb and Bobby Pierce. For the fans, the race between the bunch was a flashback to the good ole days of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals.
Brian Shirley Passes Billy Moyer to Round Out the Podium
FARMER CITY, IL- April 1, 2017- During night one of the two day show at Farmer City Raceway for the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series Illini 100 event, Brandon Sheppard held on to the lead from green-to-checkers. That’s also how the feature played out with no cautions during the 75-lap event.
Sheppard has had his eyes set on Farmer City Raceway since the start of the season and the results from tonight’s event puts the cherry on top for the young driver. Not only did he defeat the stacked field during the feature, he also set the fastest lap on the track during qualifying, placed second in his heat race and pulled the pole position during the redraw.
Earlier in the day Sheppard said, “It would mean a lot to me and this team if we won tonight. We only have one Outlaw race on the year and there has been a different winner at every track this year so to be the first repeat winner would be awesome.”
Friday’s portion of the event has been moved to Sunday
FARMER CITY, IL- March 31, 2017- Due to a heavy rain that hit the area the past two days, the Illini100 at Farmer City Raceway will take place Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2. The original scheduled events for Friday will take place on Sunday and Saturday’s portion of the program will remain the same.
On Sunday, April 2, pit gates will open at 11 am and general admission to the grandstands will begin at noon with hot laps taking the track at 3:30. Pre-purchased tickets for Friday’s show will be honored on Sunday. Tickets for the Illini100 are still available at the gate at Farmer City Raceway.
Illinois-Natives Excited to Race Near Home at a Familiar Track
CONCORD, N.C.- March 24, 2017- The best dirt Late Model drivers from around the country are rallying their troops and heading to Farmer City, IL for the ninth annual Illini 100 on March 31- April 1. The Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway has been a staple event on the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Late Model Series Schedule since the inaugural running in 2008.
Even nine years later, the Feature race in 2008 remains at the top of the list as one of the best dirt Late Model events to ever take place in the state of Illinois.The first-ever Illini 100 consisted of eight lead changes among five drivers and kept the fans holding their breath until the last lap where Billy Moyer Sr. claimed the win on from Shannon Babb who had made a hard charge from the tail of the field to contest for the lead.
The Illini 100 is projected to meet the same hype of the event as in years past as two full-time Outlaws call Illinois their stomping grounds and will leave it all on the track only 1.5 hours from their hometowns.
Brian Shirley from Chatham, IL has consistently been a fan favorite to take the checkers at the Illini 100 among the last few years although he has never been able to seal-the-deal come the end of the night. Last year during the two-day show Shirley took a 17th place finish the first night and an eighth place finish the second night. So far, this year Shirley has proved that he’s a force to be reckoned with this season as he is currently third in the points race.
